Strawberries, cold swims and beach walks

July 20, 2016

Dear Max

Holidays are a great thing. It’s a cessation from work, school and most hassle, and a chance to indulge, relax, escape and forget the woes. This isn’t new or unique to us, and it’s the reason why you’ll seldom hear anyone say “I hate holidays”, or “Oh no, I’m really dreading going on holiday” (unless they’re going to a crappy place or will be around less than mediocre company).

We’ve just had a quick holiday (this one really was too quick) in a beautiful place and in stellar company, and it was a bit of a turning point for you, and another reminder for me that family is not all about blood.

We headed to Port Elizabeth for a night and then Andrew and I went to Knysna for two days. You were keen to stay in PE with Roy and Denise, and there was just a moment of “I want to go with you” before you happily waved at us as we left. I’ve left you often, but no time has ever yielded as many tears as this one. For about ten minutes there was ugly sobbing. Maybe it’s the preggy hormones, maybe it was my anticipation of missing you so much, maybe it was the fact that I was leaving you for the first time for two nights with someone other than your dad.

I wasn’t worried about you, and as expected, you had a wonderful time. I got Whatsapp reports of you swimming in the cold sea, finally overcoming your fear of waves. You ate pancakes, you explored the dunes, you enticed the sometimes difficult Dachshund to sleep on your bed, and most important of all, you were loved so much.

I’ve often felt sore that you’re missing a set of grandparents, plus a capable granny, along with extended/close family. My childhood was shaped and improved by spending time with my grandparents, and I regret that you’ve never really had that. But now you have a set of “step” grandparents who dote on you like their own, and I am filled with gratitude and happiness that you get to be a grandson.

While you had an amazing two days, we were on the Garden Route – we walked on the beach, read, picked strawberries at Redberry Farm (I would love to go there with you one day), and relaxed.